Auto Accidents Caused by Eating While Driving
Whether it’s cellphone use behind the wheel, rubbernecking, or grooming as you drive, all sources of distraction can pose a danger to others while operating a vehicle. Each year, countless auto accidents occur that are the result of driver distraction. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 391,000 people were injured in distracted driving-related collisions in 2015. In 2016, 3,450 people were killed in accidents that involved distracted driving.
Our Daytona Beach, FL auto collision lawyers have helped countless accident victims and their loved ones in their time of legal need. We want to focus on eating while driving. Though it may seem simple and innocent enough, it can be the cause of deadly collisions.
Problems While Eating Behind the Wheel
If you eat food while you are behind the wheel, you are actively taking one of your hands or both of your hands off the wheel to do so. That could be from opening wrappers or simply holding a sandwich as you attempt to drive. That means a loss of vehicle control, and a a chance you will not be able to avoid dangers as they arise. These kinds of issues are pronounced if you are eating any sort of food that involves utensils.
If you have the food set on the passenger seat, further dangers arise as you reach over to get the food or set it down. Again, your attention is diverted from the road ahead and at least one hand is off the wheel.
Beverages Can Also Lead to Distraction
Beverages can also lead to problems while driving a car. If you have a soda bottle or water bottle you keep reaching for, taking the cap off the bottle can lead to a hand off the wheel and less control over the vehicle. Additionally, there are risks if you have to reach for the beverage in an inconvenient place, such as a backpack or the backseat.
Eating and Drinking Safely Behind the Wheel
The best way to stay safe while driving is to be smart about how you snack and drink.
If you are eating while driving, only eat snack foods that are easily within reach. Consider foods you can eat easily or by the quick handful, such as nuts, sliced fruit, baby carrots, popcorn, and chips. For soups, sandwiches, and other foods, wait to eat until you are safely off the road and parked.
For beverages, make sure these drinks are reachable (either in you lap or in a cup holder) and are in containers that do not require effort to open or use. Drinking straws are extremely helpful since they will allow you to keep you attention on the road.
Who Is Liable in These Kinds of Accidents?
If an accident does occur with a distracted driver, determining liability for the collision will require careful analysis of the evidence in your case. Our team of lawyers is here to help you in these cases, providing expert legal counsel in your time of legal need. We will help ensure negligent parties are held accountable for their actions.
Learn More About Auto Accident Lawsuits
For more information about auto accident lawsuits and how we can help you in your time of legal need, be sure to contact an experienced injury accident lawyer today. Our team of attorneys will be here to offer you sound legal counsel.